Clarissa Briones, PT, DPT, OCS, is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program and a licensed physical therapist in California. She brings clinical experience in outpatient orthopaedics and spine rehabilitation and currently practices with UCLA Health.

Dr. Briones earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, and her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from Loma Linda University. During her time in PT school, she served as a teaching assistant for Gross Human Anatomy through the Anatomy Scholars Program, where she developed an early interest in teaching and supporting student learning.

Following PT school, Dr. Briones pursued advanced post-professional training through Kaiser Permanente, completing both an Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency and a Spine Rehabilitation Fellowship. She became a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) in 2026 and is recognized as a Fellow of the Academy of Spine Physical Therapy (FASPT) through the North American Spine Society (NASS).

As an educator and clinician, Dr. Briones is passionate about helping students connect foundational knowledge with clinical reasoning and real-world patient care. She values mentorship and creating a supportive learning environment where students feel challenged, capable, and prepared for clinical practice.

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Briones enjoys traveling, hiking, snowboarding, exploring new restaurants and coffee shops in Los Angeles, and spending quality time with family and friends. She values connection, lifelong learning, and experiences that keep her active and engaged with the community around her.